Which .357 S&W for a shooter?

[87hurricane]

I a looking for a 6" .357 simply as a "shooter". I want something I can shoot alot and not be worried about, just a .357 diet, including some hotter loads. I am set on a S&W, I know the Rugers are tough too, but the smiths just feel better in my hand. I'm thinking a 586/686 or a 27/28, figure I can find one with a so so finish for a reasonable amount. I have a 629, so I'm familar with the N frame, but the L frames feel just about as good to me. If you had to chose, what would it be? Am I missing out on any other models that I should consider? Thanks in advance guys

[pennlineman]

I'm thinking a 586/686 or a 27/28

That would have been my advice, probably leaning more towards the N frame provided it fits your hand well.

[Joe Demko]

The 686 is one of the all-time great revolvers. I own a bunch of .357 revolvers, and the 686 is the one I'd keep if I could have only one handgun of any kind.

[stainless]

The ONLY gun I am sorry I sold was my 686. YMMV.

[slickracer]

586, 686, 27, 28...it's all good! I have a 686 and a 27 and the 27 is my favorite.

[Sparxfly72]

I a looking for a 6" .357 simply as a "shooter". I want something I can shoot alot and not be worried about, just a .357 diet, including some hotter loads. I am set on a S&W, I know the Rugers are tough too, but the smiths just feel better in my hand. I'm thinking a 586/686 or a 27/28, figure I can find one with a so so finish for a reasonable amount. I have a 629, so I'm familar with the N frame, but the L frames feel just about as good to me. If you had to chose, what would it be? Am I missing out on any other models that I should consider? Thanks in advance guys

Well I sold you my Smith model 65, but since you're selling it already I assume you don't have confidence in it for steady diet of 357mag. I, personally, would have no reservations of shooting steady diet of factory 357mag 158gr bullets through it. Probably not if reloading hot though. L and N frames would suffice without question no matter what type/weight.

[87hurricane]

Sorry, I believe you're mistaken. I didn't buy your 65, although I do own a early 66 no dash. My 66 is too nice to risk hurting it by shooting a bunch of hot .357s, hence the search for a stouter, heavier pistol to handle those duties

[Sparxfly72]

yes, you're right. I am mistaken. I was thinking keystoneman, he is selling a 65 i just sold him. What I said does apply though, factory 158gr 357mag ammo would be fine, afaik. I mean, how much are you talking about per yr? You would have to put a shit ton to shake it loose.

[TonyF]

I love S&W N frames but the L Frame can handle a steady diet of full house .357 loads in a smaller frame.

[ShaulWolf]

586 or 686. If I recall correctly, both are the same gun, just different finishes.

I had a 586 with a 6" barrel, and it was a dream to shoot regardless of .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammo. Felt great in the hand, wonderful trigger in SA or DA, and the heavier frame mitigated a fair amount of recoil for me. Not to mention it looked sexy.